News Reader.info

WASHINGTON — The U.S. and U.K. on Thursday imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran as concern grows that Tehran’s unprecedented attack on Israel could fuel a wider war in the Middle East.

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted 16 people and two entities in Iran that produce engines that power the drones used in Saturday’s attack on Israel. The office also

sanctioned five firms involved in steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group — which is accused of materially supporting Iran’s military and other sanctioned

groups. A representative from Bahman was not immediately available for comment. Additionally, the U.K. is targeting several Iranian military organizations, individuals and entities involved

in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries. President Biden said in a statement that he had directed the U.S. Treasury “to continue to impose sanctions that further degrade Iran’s

military industries.” “Let it be clear to all those who enable or support Iran’s attacks,” he said, “we will not hesitate to take all necessary action to hold you accountable.” In addition

to Treasury’s sanctions, the U.S. Commerce Department is imposing new controls to restrict Iran’s access to basic commercial grade microelectronics, which apply to items manufactured outside

the U.S. that are produced using U.S. technology. The actions come after U.S. officials earlier this week warned that they were readying new sanctions in response to Iran’s activity in the

region and to prevent future attacks. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill also have been quickly pushing forward legislation that would financially punish the Islamic Republic and its leaders. Iran’s

attack on Israel early Sunday came in response to what it says was an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria earlier this month. Israel’s military chief said Monday that his country

will respond to the Iranian attack, while world leaders caution against retaliation, trying to avoid a spiral of violence. European Union leaders also vowed on Wednesday to ramp up sanctions

on Iran, targeting its drone and missile deliveries to proxies in Gaza, Yemen and Lebanon. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the existing EU sanctions regime would be strengthened

and expanded to punish Tehran and help prevent future attacks on Israel. At the same time, he said, Israel needed to exercise restraint. “I don’t want to exaggerate, but we are on the edge

of a war, a regional war in the Middle East, which will be sending shock waves to the rest of the world, and in particular to Europe,” he warned. “So stop it.” _Hussein writes for the

Associated Press._ MORE TO READ